[KF-EAI Korea Friendship] Professor Jeong Byung-seol, Department of Korean Language and Literature, Seoul National University

The East Asia Institute (EAI) is conducting the educational and networking program [KF-EAI Korea Friendship] for international students staying in Korea, with the support of the Korea Foundation (KF) and Samyang Holdings.

Professor Jeong Byung-seol of Seoul National University delivered a lecture on the topic of 'The Political Unconscious of Korean Culture,' arguing that Koreans' political self-awareness exists in a tension between dependence and autonomy. He explained this by comparing the 'dog that bites its master' from Kim Yu-sin in the *Samguk Sagi*, the autonomous yet idealistic worldview in *Choe Chungjeon*, and the dependent yet realistic worldview in *Im Gyeong-eopjeon*. Furthermore, Professor Jeong Byung-seol cited the example of Koreans understanding their position within Confucian human relationships, emphasizing that Koreans need a stronger historical consciousness of autonomy. He further explained that this has also led to detrimental outcomes such as the 'gap-eul' (superior-subordinate) relationship, where distance is maintained from others and responsibility is pushed down to subordinates.

Korean Classical Stories

Lecturer: Professor Jeong Byung-seol, Seoul National University

Topic:"The Political Unconscious of Korean Culture"